The past was built upon collecting unique characteristics.

"The ceremony has been moved up; it will be held tomorrow morning in the square in front of the palace," Eric said with a wry smile.

It's ahead of schedule?!

Morian's expression suddenly changed. The ceremony being moved up meant that their original plan had to be accelerated as well, making the time even more pressing.

"Why did the royal family change the time at the last minute?!" he asked rapidly.

"Perhaps it's because my health has deteriorated, and they made this decision to prevent the 'Princess's' power from malfunctioning," Eric explained patiently, his tone as indifferent as if it were none of his business.

"But that's not important. We have to get Diana out before tomorrow at the latest."

"So your idea is to let things unfold naturally and sacrifice yourself to benefit everyone?" Morian suddenly calmed down and asked in a cold voice.

The afternoon sunlight streamed through the window bars, casting long, thin shadows in the room, like a giant cage.

Eric did not directly answer the question, but instead began to speak on his own:

"Sometimes I feel like that gechar bird that my father disposed of, never able to fly out of this garden. The only difference is that I can see my situation clearly."

"I always think, how wonderful it would be if I could meet Diana as an ordinary person." He turned his head slightly and looked out the window at the blue sky.

"That way, at least you won't be bound by responsibility, like a gechar bird that can truly fly freely and go wherever it wants."

Morian stood still, his gaze fixed on the dejected face opposite him.

After a long while, he finally spoke, revealing the words hidden deep in his heart:

"Your Highness, you say you are like that gechar bird, but you have overlooked something very important."

"That bird died alone, and almost no one cared how it died, but you did not."

Eric's eyelashes trembled slightly, and a fleeting, elusive emotion flashed in his eyes.

"There's always someone around you who will awkwardly offer their concern when you're hiding in the garden crying."

Morian continued:

"Some people will remember every word you said about shooting stars. Some people, even when they are on the verge of collapse, will still try to hold your hand, just because they are afraid that you will secretly leave her."

"If you truly are that bird unable to find freedom, then Miss Laurent is the one who tries to pick the lock time and time again!"

Even though everyone wants to use those glamorous names to trap you in this fictitious cage, saying this is where you are destined to be, she is still desperately trying to pry open that lock!

"Even so, are you still going to let her down?!"

He became more and more agitated as he spoke, and by the end, his tone was almost pleading, as he tried to persuade the poor man in front of him who was caught up in the clutches of fate.

Just as Morian was about to speak again, Eric gently raised his hand to stop him.

"Then tell me what I should do? What else can I do?" He closed his eyes in anguish, his voice on the verge of breaking.

"Rush out and tell everyone it's a hoax? Do you think they'll believe my one-sided account, or the undeniable history of the royal family?"

"Even if the truth were revealed, it would only make the royal authority a laughingstock, causing it to plummet and destroying the confidence of our own people before the war even begins!"

These desperate words echoed in the air, almost freezing the already heavy atmosphere.

"...You can also choose to escape with Miss Laurent to a place where no one knows you," Morian said in a deep voice.

"That won't work." Eric simply shook his head. "Not to mention that with the White Rose Palace's defenses, we simply can't get out of here."

"Even if we manage to escape, the kingdom will use all its resources to hunt us down. We'll be branded as traitors. Do you really want Diana to accompany me on an endless life of escape?"

"Mr. Thias, I'm so tired."

As if all his strength had been drained, he slumped weakly into the sofa cushions, muttering to himself:

"Let me fulfill my final duty... as a prince."

The calm voice sounded like a narration, a plea, and also concealed a hint of sadness and resentment.

"What responsibility?!" Morian suddenly raised his voice, his tone sharp.

"Your responsibility isn't to die for no reason, is it?!"

"Your responsibility is to live well, to live as Eric Everett! Not as the fourth prince of the Kingdom of Sheran! Only if you live will Diana have someone to protect!"

Morian's words were an outburst of pent-up anger.

That intense frustration and disappointment made him almost forget who the other person was.

"I assure you, I will get you out of here safely! But all of this depends on you choosing to live! Live for the knight who has been waiting for you for so long!"

As he spoke, he suddenly raised his right hand and lightly punched the fourth prince in the chest with his fist, saying decisively:

"Let's consider this a promise between us men."

Eric was stunned by this sudden action.

Feeling the clear touch on his chest, and meeting the other person's burning, unwavering gaze, he was momentarily at a loss.

After delivering these impassioned words, Morian suddenly came to his senses and felt a pang of regret.

What have I just done? Have I offended a prince?!

A hint of embarrassment flashed across his face as he quietly withdrew his right hand, which had moved involuntarily.

……

A long silence filled the room.

Just then, the intense afternoon sunlight suddenly pierced through the curtains, shining brightly on their faces and dispelling the previous gloom.

Time seemed to have passed for a long time, yet it also felt like only a few seconds had gone by.

"A promise between men..." Eric murmured, repeating himself as he looked at him quietly.

A moment later, something seemed to melt away quietly in those azure eyes shrouded in gloom, and even the corners of her mouth seemed to curve into a slight smile.

For the first time, an unfamiliar expression appeared on the face of the always gentle young prince.

A bright smile I'd never seen before.

"Pfft... Okay."

He chuckled softly, as if amused by the offensive gesture, then stood up from the sofa and solemnly extended his right hand to Morian:

"Then I'll leave it to you, Mr. Thias."

His smile seemed to have swept away all the previous despair and rekindled a small but clear spark of hope.

"Since you've already said it, you should keep your promise."

Upon seeing this, Morian immediately responded with an even brighter smile and firmly grasped the outstretched hand with an even stronger grip.